Former Air Cadets Meet

A SOUTH Essex MP helped welcome two former air cadets, both now in their 90s, back to their original squadron.
Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, who is the Honorary President of 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron, Air Training Corps, attended the Squadron’s Annual Mess Night, at Apton Hall, Rochford.
As part of the proceedings, Mr Francois witnessed the presentation of special commemorative certificates to Peter and Michael Woods, who both served as cadets in the Rayleigh Squadron, after the Second World War.
Mr Francois, who is also the Shadow Armed Forces Minister, spoke at the dinner and congratulated the Squadron on winning the Lees Trophy, the award given to the Top Squadron within the Essex Wing of the Air Training Corps, in 2025.
Speaking about the event, Mr Francois said: “As the Honorary President of 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron, I am very proud of the air cadets and their leaders, especially as they were the top squadron across the whole Essex Wing last year.
“It was also a privilege to meet Peter and Mike Woods, who served in the squadron after the war and were warmly welcomed back by their modern successors.
“It was a really great evening, all round.”
Picture: Mark Francois MP and the Chairman of Rochford District Council, Coun Jo McPherson, helping present commemorative certificates to Peter and Michael Woods, two former members of 1476 (Rayleigh) Squadron Air Training Corps, at their Annual Mess Night at Apton Hall, Rochford.
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
X : @leighonsea_news
Contact us: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us
Email: [email protected]